Today was Canada Day and here in Ottawa it was all Will and Kate all the time!

Julie and I went to the big celebration on Parliament Hill.  300,000 people.  We were lucky enough to get a seat up front with the other diplomats and when the Royal Couple walked in Julie got a good close up photo.

William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Ottawa on Canada Day

It was VERY hot out in the sun.  But the show was great.  And when Prince William got up to speak the place went wild.

Julie with Caroline Linke, wife of the Australian High Commissioner to Canada, and Bronwyn Klenner, wife of New Zealand High Commissioner to Ottawa

In the evening, we went to watch fireworks at the Foreign Affairs building.  Foreign Minister Baird was hosting the event for the diplomatic corps.   There had been much speculation that the Royal Couple might join us for fireworks.  And sure enough, just before the fireworks began they arrived.

Afterwards, Julie and I were lucky enough to meet them.  We talked about their upcoming visit to Los Angeles and their recent meeting in London with President Obama and the First Lady.  They were delightful. 

It is ironic that in three days we will be celebrating the 235^th anniversary of the United States separating itself from British Royalty.  After we met the Royal Couple someone asked me if I was still glad we had that Revolution in 1776.  I must say that while they were as nice as can be, I do think things worked out for the best on both sides of the Atlantic.

Definitely a fun day.  Happy Birthday Canada.

DJ